See a Neighborhood Monument

Monumento a Castelo Branco in Parque Moinhos de Vento juts out of its grassy surroundings, a hard and angular reminder of Brazil’s first military dictator, Castelo Branco. The monument’s artist presents his vision of 3 soldiers standing together, just a little off-balance. This controversial historical marker is offset by well-shaded park benches, often occupied by Porto Alegre’s beautiful people sipping their beloved chimarrão, a mate herb tea.

Go Where Windmills Stood

Moinhos de Vento means windmill in Portuguese, a nod to this neighborhood’s 19th- century wheat grinding past. Trendy boutiques, hotels and restaurants have since replaced its windmills. This replica of an Azorean windmill in Parque Moinhos de Vento doubles as a children’s library and a picturesque backdrop for lake turtles and ducks.

Step Inside a Local Landmark

Usina do Gasômetro is an old coral-colored electrical power plant, even though its name suggests that it was an old gas plant. Its history is chronicled inside, which has also become an exhibition space for local artists and musicians. Venture to the fourth floor for some of the best views of Porto Alegre’s sunsets over Lake Guaíba.

Stroll Along Lake Guaíba

Porto-Alegreses like to brag about the sunsets over Lake Guaíba. They are said to be especially spectacular in winter and few miss the show. Some tourists take it in by boat, while locals gather on a grassy expanse with churros, those sugary fried dough sticks, as a snack.

Taste a Traditional Portuguese Dish

The Portuguese brought their taste for salted cod, known as bacalhau, with them to Brazil. You can sample some of the best in Porto Alegre at Gambrinus, a restaurant and pub dating back to 1889 inside the old Mercado Público Central.

Shop Local in the Public Market

Outside the pastel yellow walls of Mercado Público, local merchants hawk their handicrafts from jewelry to paintings, while inside is a vibrant visual feast of tropical fruits and fresh meats on display. Pick up some mate leaves to make your own chimarrao at home.

See the City from Lake Guaíba

From a cruise on Lake Guaíba, the Porto Alegre skyline shows off its present and past with its more modern facades protecting its older ornate ones in the city center, dating back to the 18th century.

Board the White Swan

Cisne Branco means white swan in Portuguese, and this small cruise ship glides along Rio Guaíba where it expands into a lake and intersects with Rio Jacquí, while playing the music of the city and broadcasting facts about Porto Alegre’s great past.

See a Giant

If you are going to Porto Alegre for the 2014 World Cup, a visit to the “Giant of the Hills” is inevitable. Estadio Beria-Rio got its nickname from reverential Porto Alegre futbol fans for its perch on one of the city’s highest points and its legend will grow as host of epic matchups like Australia vs. The Netherlands and Nigeria vs. Argentina.

Get a Taste of Northern Brazil

While Porto-Alegreses are proud of their churrascos, meat-heavy barbecues, they don’t mind a taste of northern cuisine on occasion. Iaiá Bistro serves acarajé, the fried shrimp and black-eyed pea nuggets you’d find in Salvador do Bahia.

Sleep in a Posh Boutique Hotel

Blocks away from the trendy shops and cafes of Rue Padre Chagas in Moinhos de Ventos, you can rest your head at Hotel Laghetto Viverone, a restored 19th- century home outfitted with a rooftop pool.

Go Into the Heart of the Old City

A monument to Rio Grande do Sul politics and a model politician Julio de Castilhos stands at the center of Praça da Matriz in the heart of Porto Alegre’s historic district. Bounded by state and city government buildings, it’s a reminder of gaucho – Brazilian cowboy – independence.

People Watch in a Historic Square

Besides being at the center of politics and government in Porto Alegre, Praça da Matriz attracts locals of all types walking their dogs, reading the paper, even practicing scenes for a play at the nearby Theatro São Pedro.

See Porto Alegre’s Spiritual Center

The building of Catedral Metropolitana on Porto Alegre’s historic Praça da Matriz is inextricably linked to the city’s founding. The ornate Italian Renaissance columns and dome are reminders of the city’s Jesuit missionary beginnings.